Debuting in 2018, the series sequel to the first three Karate Kid films Cobra Kai began life as a YouTube Red / YouTube Premium offer. With Ralph Macchio returning as good guy Daniel LaRusso, William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence, Martin Kove as John Kreese, and Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi shown in archival footage, the series was a hit, and moved over to Netflix after the second season, where it ran for four additional seasons, ending in 2025, after sixty-five episodes.
More than thirty years after his defeat by Daniel LaRusso (Macchio) at the 1984 All-Valley Karate Tournament, Johnny Lawrence’s life is a mess. An alcoholic, he’s suffering from depression, he’s broke and living in an apartment in Reseda. Worse, he’s an absent father to a teenage son, Robby (Tanner Buchanan). Clinging to the past, he sees teaching karate to his teenaged neighbor Miguel Diaz (Xolo Maridueña) as a way to regain some of his former glory.
In contrast, Daniel seems to have it all. A wealthy man running a chain of car dealerships, he lives comfortably with his wife Amanda (Courtney Henggeler) and their two children, Samantha (Mary Mouser) and Anthony (Griffin Santopietro). Nonetheless, Daniel is not a man without problems. He’s struggling with the loss of his beloved Sensei Mr. Miyagi, who died a few years earlier, and he’s struggling to connect with his own children.
As you might imagine, Daniel is a central character, the story is primarily Johnny’s redemption. Johnny is determined to one up Daniel, who has opened Miyagi dojo, Johnny opens the Cobra Kai dojo, determined to train the next generation of Karate champions. Cobra Kai attracts a series of social outcasts who find confidence under Johnny’s leadership. Things change with the arrival of Johnny’s former dojo John Kreese (Martin Kove) who pushes Cobra Kai to embrace the ruthlessness that drives Kreese’s style of karate. In season three, we get to see flashbacks of Kreese’s time in Vietnam, which informs the man he’s become, and the demons he’s fighting daily.
As Miguel struggles to recover from his injuries in the school brawl, Johnny struggles to make things right, and Daniel reconnects with his past during a trip to Japan. Meanwhile, Johnny’s students blame him for teaching Miguel mercy. The remaining student’s side with Kreese, who takes over the dojo. At the behest of his wife, Daniel closes the Miyagi-Do dojo.
As the students of Cobra Kai become increasingly merciless, johnny and Daniel Join forces to defeat them at the All-Valley Tournament, with their respective dojos on the line. Their partnership isn’t easy, with disagreements at every turn. Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith), the manipulative antagonist from The Karate Kid Part III, returns to ratchet up the tension.
It’s clear from the start that the series’ creative team, Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg, are fans of the original series. While some of the plots are recycled more than once, Johnny’s redemption arc is a welcome development, and the parade of guest stars that reprise their film roles is nostalgic and fun. Look for Randee Heller (Lucille LaRusso) Elisabeth Shue (Ali Mills), Tamlyn Tomita (Kumiko), Yuji Okumoto (Chozen), and Sean Kanan (Mike Barnes). Other notable guest stars include Ed Asner, Elizabeth Berkley, Paul Walter Houser, and Carrie Underwood.
While a 4K release would have been nice, Sony’s Blu-ray release is excellent. Presented in its original 1.78:1 aspect ratio, the image is strong and clear throughout. facial features appear natural, and textures are clear. Colors are vivid throughout, offering some beautiful primaries. Blacks are sharp and inky, and shadow delineation is strong. There are no scratches or other anomalies apparent.
The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track serves the series well, providing immersive atmospherics throughout. dialogue is central here and is clear and concise. Even during the quieter moments, surrounds are well engaged.
English SDH subtitles are included.
The following extras are available:
Season One – Disc One:
- Pilot Audio Commentary featuring Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg
Season One – Disc Two:
- Deleted Scenes
- Cast Chemistry Reads
- Exploring Musical Identities of Cobra Kai & Miyagi-Do with Composers
- Musical Performances at the Whisky a Go Go with William Zabka
Season Two – Disc Two:
- Deleted Scenes
- Gag Reel
- Easter Eggs
- Fists & Fury: Fight Choreography Featurette
- Into the Dojo: The Characters Featurette
- Making Faces Reel
- Stingray Reel
Season Three – Disc Two:
- Deleted Scenes
- Blooper Reel
Season Four – Disc Two:
- Deleted Scenes
- Karate Dad Featurette
- Blooper Reel
Season Five – Disc Two:
- Deleted/Extended Scenes
- Blooper Reel
Season Six – Disc Three:
- Finale Audio Commentary featuring Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg
- Deleted/Extended Scenes
- Blooper Reel